Community first responder
Blyth community first responder team
was founded in April 2005 following a request from East
Midlands Ambulance Service for help meeting the
demands for ambulances in the north of Nottinghamshire. We
now have teams in local communities of Worksop, Retford,
Carlton-in-Lindrick, Blyth, Harworth and Sutton-in-Ashfield.
We have been called out 360 times, and used the defibrillator on 4
occasions.
Funding the project
The money for our equipment, including 7 full first aid
kits has been raised by charity fundraising including
support from Wilkinson’s and our local employers. Extra support has
come from local farmers, local charities, parish councils, and The
National Lottery. To date we have raised
£25,000 for equipment required to do the job, including
defibrillators, and oxygen equipment.
Blyth neighbourhood first responder unit recently had a
cash injection of £2,900 thanks to Mark Poppit. Mark is a
first responder and divisional member at Worksop and
was supported by Mallard Public House Patrons
to completed a sponsored mountain cycle ride around Clumber
Park and North Nottinghamshire.
Charlotte Hall, leader of the Worksop group also secured
£2,760 from B&Q Warehouse who gave 25% of
their income from the B&Q charity fun day to the Blyth first
responder unit. The unit also received £250 from Bassetlaw District
Council
Support in other ways
The church in Blyth has supported us by
allowing us to meet, by arrangement, in the church building free of
charge. There are now 34 responders across the area including fire
officers, nurses, midwife, policeman, health workers, lorry
drivers, warehouse workers, shop workers, teachers, teaching
assistants, veterinary nurses, ex service personnel and even
the Blyth vicar, his wife and the church wardens and their
partners.
Getting Involved
If you would like to get involved as a first
responder please contact Graham Robinson on 07711 763124 or email
firstresponder@notts.sja.org.uk